Absence of a Magisterial Order casts Doubts on the Credibility of the Fingerprint Evidence [SC JUDGMENT]
Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 - In the current facts and circumstances, the absence of a magisterial order casts doubts on the credibility of the fingerprint evidence, especially with respect to the packing and sealing of the tumblers on which the fingerprints were allegedly found, given that the attesting witnesses were not independent witnesses, being the family members of the deceased. Thus, we cannot rule out the possibility of tampering and postfacto addition of fingerprints, and concur with the High Court in discarding the fingerprint evidence.